Tony Visconti, David Bowie's longtime produce, paid tribute to his friend and peer in a touching Facebook post after Bowie passed away on Sunday at the age of 69.
Visconti wrote,
"He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was not different from his life ? a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift."
Bowie had been battling cancer for 18 months, and his illness was not publicly revealed until the announcement of his death.
Visconti continued in his note, "I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry."
